BS RAWAT
Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, World Health Organisation (WHO), today praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi government's "timely and tough" decision to extend the coronavirus lockdown till May 3.

"WHO commends India’s timely and tough actions to stop COVID19. It may be early to talk about results in numbers,  but a six-week nationwide lock down to facilitate effective physical distancing, coupled with expansion of core public health measures such as detection, isolation and tracing contacts of COVID19 positive people, would go a long way in arresting the virus spread," Dr Singh, said in a statement.

“Despite huge and multiple challenges, India has been demonstrating unwavering commitment in its fight against the pandemic. In these testing times, the action lies as much with the communities as with the authorities and the health workforce. It is indeed time for each and every one to contribute their best and together beat the virus," the WHO official said.